A Dimensional Framework of Tourism Indicators Influencing Destination Competitiveness

Abstract

The tourism industry has become more competitive with recent developments in information technology. This has assisted tourists to select the best tourist destination, often those providing the highest standard of services within a reasonable price range. This objective of this study was to develop a framework of tourism indicators that drive destination competitiveness, using a systematic review methodology. Research has confirmed that the tourism industry is more susceptible to events influencing its competitiveness than any other sectors of the economy. The interpretivistic research paradigm with qualitative methodology data was followed. A systematic review of the available literature both contemporary and secondary data on was collected. Once the collected data was sourced and sorted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the information was analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis identified three themes, each holding sub-themes indicative to tourism indicators which influence destination competitiveness namely: 1) core-indicators, 2) facilitating-indicators and 3) supporting indicators. A proposed dimensional framework of destination competitiveness indicators was developed, which could aid researchers to investigate the socioeconomic dynamics that may be functional between developed and developing countries.

Keywords

• : competitiveness
• destination
• framework
• indicators
• tourism